Planter



Dec. 19, 1944. J. D. MCKAHIN PLANTER Filed Aug. 5, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet l 5 Sheets- Sheet 2 J. D. MCKAHIN PLANTER Filed Aug. 3, 1940 Dec. 19, 1944.

5 Sheets-Sheet 5 J. D. MC KAHIN PLANTER Filed Aug. 3, 1940 Dec. 19, 1944.

Dec. 19, 1944.

J. D. McKAi-HN 2,365,201

PLANTER Filed Aug. 3, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Dec. 19, 1944. J. D. MGKAHIN PLANTER Filed Aug. 3, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Dec. l5, 1944 PLANTER John D. McKahin,

La Crosse, Wis., assignor to Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Company, Mllwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application August 3, 1940, Serial No. 350,686

22 Claims.

The invention relates to agricultural implements. and it is concerned more specically with a machine having a soil engaging tool, such as the seed or fertilizer runner oi' a planter, which tool is required to penetrate the soil to an even depth as the machine advances over the field.

It is an object of the invention to provide an agricultural machine in which the depth of soil penetration of a furrow opening tool is controlled in an improved manner so that the furrow opened by the tool will be of substantially constant depth not only on level ground but also on undulatingr ground presenting small hills and valleys which are not followed by the machine as a whole.

A further object of the invention is to provide an agricultural machine having a tool or tools for opening a furrow or a plurality of furrows of substantially constant depth, and other tools which work the soil as the machine is being advanced over the field, and in which machine the depth of soil penetration of said other tools may be addusted while the machine is in motion, without changing the operating depth of said furrow opening tool or tools.

A further object oi' the invention is to provide an improved planting machine having a runner and soil working tools operating simultaneously to form a furrow of substantially constant depth and to work the soll as the machine advances. and in which machines the runner may be raised to an elevated position above the ground by upward adjustment of the soil working tools.

More specifically it is an object of the inven tion to provide an improved mechanism for transmitting upward movement; of the soil working tools to the runner, which mechanism permits the runner to operate at a substantially constant depth irrespective of whether the soil working tools work deep or shallow, and which mechanism may be operated to raise the runner to an elevated position above the ground while the soil working tools remain in the ground. When it becomes necessary to clear the runner of trash which has accumulated around it during the advance of the machine, the operator may manipulate the improved mechanism to lift the runner without lifting the soil working tools and he is therefore relieved of the exertion to lift the soil working tools every time he wants to clear the runner of trash. On the other hand, the improved mechanism enables the operator to lift the runner and the soil working too-ls in one operation when he desires to elevate the runner and the soil working tools above the ground for turning or for moving the machine to or from the field.

A further object of the invention is to provide a machine having a runner and soil working tools, in which the runner may automatically adjust itself to a predetermined depth of soi] penetration while the soil working tools are in the ground but may be raised out of the ground by upward adjustment of the soil working tools above the ground, and in which machine a power driven dispensing mechanism for material, such as seed or ferilitzer, to be deposited in the runner furrow, may be automatically stopped by said upward adjustment of said soil working tools above the ground.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved planting attachment for installation on a cultivator frame.

Another object oi the invention is to provide an improved tractor propelled implement for simultaneously planting seed and i'ertilizing the soil in proximity to the seed, the imprdvement consisting in the construction of the planting and fertilizing equipment and in its arrangement relative to the tractor.

Another object of the invention is to provide an auxiliary tool support forming part of a planting attachment for installation on the tool bars of a tractor mounted cultivator frame, the auxiliary tool support being so constructed that it may be placed on the ground and the tractor, with the cultivator frame mounted thereon, may be driven over the auxiliary tool support into a position permitting ready attachment of the auxiliary tool support to the tool bars o1' the cultivator frame.

A still further object o! the invention is to provide a tractor propelled implement for planting seed and fertilizing the soil in proximity to the seed, which implement is simple and compact in construction, edicient in operation, and which may be manufactured at relatively low costs.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, and the operation of a machine constructed in accordance therewith, will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings accompanying and forming part of this specification. Referring to the drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts in the various views:

Fig. 1 is a side View of a tractor mounted implement for combined soil working, seed planting and fertilizing, the implement having parts arranged between the rear wheels of the tractor. and most of the near rear wheel of the tractor and its fender being broken away to expose said parte;`

Fig.2isatopviewofthemachineshownin Fig. 3 is a front view oi' the machine shown in Pigs. 1 and 2:

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the runner beam and associated parts shown iiFig. 1. the view being taken on line IV-IV of g. 2 and also showing, in dash-dotted lines a sweep attachment which may be used to work the soil in advance of the runners;

Fig. 5 is a rear view of parts shown in Fig. 4:

Fig. 6 is a detail view of the drive and throwout mechanism for the seed and fertilizer dispensing units shown in Fig. 1: and

Fig. I is a top view, partly in section, of the parts shown in Fis. 6.

A frameless type tractor shown in dash-dotted lines in Figs. l, 2 and 3. and generally indicated by the reference numeral I, has a motor 2 connected to a bell housing 3 which is integrally formed with a torque tube I. The iront end of th# motor is supported on an upwardly arched front axle structure 6 which carries dirigible front wheels 1 and 3. The torque tube I is connected at its rear end to an upwardly arched rear axle structure comprising a transverse portion 9 and depending side portions II and I2, and mounted on the side portions Il and I2 are rear traction wheels I3 and II which are drivingly connected with the motor 2 through the usual power transmitting mechanisms. A tubular cross bar I9 is secured to and extends through the rear portion of the torque tube I. the cross bar I9 being connected at its ends to side bars i1 and I3 which are mounted on the transverse portion 9 of the rear axle structure. A steering wheel I9 which is operatively connected with the front wheels 1 and 3 is within easy reach from an operators seat 2i of the tractor. For a fuller disclosure of the tractor here shown reference is made to application Serial No. 274.164. filed May 1'1, 1939, C. E. Frudden and W. F. strehlow. Tractor, now Patent No. 2.254.358. granted September 2. 1941.

A tubular beam 22 extending longitudinally of the tractor I is secured at the left side of the tractor to the bell housing 3 by a bracket 23 and bolts 2I. The rear end of the beam 22 is secured to a bracket 26 which is bolted to a portion of the cross bar I9 between the torque tube I and the side bar I1. A tubular beam 23, similar to the beam 22 is secured at the right side of the tractor to the bell housing 3 by a bracket 29 and bolts 3| corresponding to the bracket 23 and bolts 2I. The rear end of the right beam 2l is secured to a bracket 32 corresponding to the bracket 2B, the bracket 32 being bolted to a portion of the cross bar I9 between the torque tube I and the right side bar I9. Secured to the forward brackets 23 and 29 are cap members 3I and 39. respectively. which cooperate with semicylindrical recesses in the brackets to form journal bearings for a pair of links 31 and 39. The links 31 and 33 have upper journals 39 and II, respectively, within the bearings on the brackets 23 and 29. the journals being retained in the bearings againstaxial displacement, and the bearings and journals being of sufllcient length to prevent transverse swinging movement of the links 31 and 39. A rearward pair of links I2 and I3, equal in length to the forward links 31 and 33. are mounted for pivotal movement on the brackets 29 and 32, respectively, the rearward links I2 and I3 having horizontal upper journals received within bearing holes of the brackets 29 and 32. Y

A main tool support positioned beneath the tractor I comprises a pair of L-shaped toolbars I3 and I1, which are connected at their rear ends by an upwardly arched rear bar I9. The short or transverse legs of the L`shaped tool bars extend in rear of the traction wheels I3 and II for carrying track eradicating shovels. not shown. The long legs or longitudinal portions of the L- shaped tool bars IB and I1 are pivotally connected with the forward links 31 and 33, respectively, by brackets 53 and II. and with the rearward links I2 and I3, respectively. by depending angle clips I6 and 91 which are welded to the bottom faces of the tool bars It and I1. The forward links 31 and 39 have horizontal lower journals 3l and 5B, respectively, which are mounted in journal bearings of the brackets 53 and II, and are suitably retained therein against axial displacement. The lower journals B5 and 39, like the upper journals 39 and II of the forward links 31 and 39, are of comparatively great length and the journal bearings of the brackets 93 and 5I in which the lower journals l5 and B9 are mounted are correspondingly long to retain the tool bars I6 and I1 against transverse tilting and horizontal angular displacement relative to the tractor. The lower pivot center of the left forward link 31 at the bracket I3 is spaced from the lower pivot center of the left rearward link I2 at the clip 9B substantially the same distance as the upper pivot center of the left forward link 31 at the bracket 23 is spaced from the upper pivot center of the left rearward link I2 at the bracket 23. Similarly, the lower pivot center of the right forward link 39 at the bracket 5I is spaced from the lower pivot center of the right rearward link I3 at the clip B1 substantially thej same distance as the upper pivot center of the right forward link 39 at the bracket 29 is spaced from the upper pivot center of the right rearward link I3 at the bracket 32. The upper journals 39 and Il of the forward links 31 and 39 are aiined on a common pivot axis. and so are the lower journals and 58 of these links, as may be seen from Fig. 3. Likewise, the upper pivot center of the left rear link I2 is alined with the upper pivot center of the right rear link I3, and the lower pivot center of the left rear link I2 is aiined with the lower pivot center of right rear link I3, as may be seen from Fig. 2. It will be seen that the links 31, 39 and the links I2, I3 function t0 guide the main tool support comprising the L-shaped tool bars I3 and I1 for vertical translatory movement relative to the tractor I, the links 31. 38 and the links I2, I3 being part of a parallel link mechanism mounted on the tractor, and that the tractor forms a self-sustained traveling support for the parallel link mechanism.

Mounted on the tubular beam 29 at the right side of the tractor, substantially midway between the brackets 29 and 32, is a quadrant 1I which has a forward leg extending downwardly below the beam 29 and the lower end of the leg is braced against the beam 29 by a strap "I9 secured at the lower end to the leg of quadrant 1I by a bolt 19. A hand lever `8| having a suitable latch mechanisrn for engagement with teeth on the quadrant 1I is pivoted on the bolt 19 at the lower end of the leg of the quadrant 1I. An operating link 85 interconnects the hand lever 9i with the short arm of a bell crank lever 92 which is welded to a rock shaft 93 pivotally mounted on the brackets 23 and 32. An arcuate lifting arm III located near the bracket 26 is welded to the rock shaft 8l in the same radial position on the shaft 08 as the longer arm of the bell crank lever 82.

Pivotally connected with the lifting ann 84 is a lifting rod 86 which has a lower end portion rockably secured to a clip 81 welded to the left tool bar 46. A lifting rod 88similar to the lifting rod 86, is pivotally connected to the longer arm of the bell crank lever 82 at a radial distance from the axis of the rock shaft 83 equal to the radial distance of the pivot center of the rod 88 on the arm 84 from the axis of the rock shaft 88. The lower end of lifting rod 88 is rockably secured to the L-shaped tool bar 41 in the same manner in which the lifting rod 86 is secured to the tool bar 46. Coil springs, not shown, surrounding the liftlng rods 80 and 88 may be used to exert downward pressure upon the tool bars 46 and 41.

Referring to Fig. 1. the hand lever 8| may be moved from the position in which it is shown in Fig. 1 either in a forward or rearward direction about its pivot center at the bolt 19, and it will be understood that forward movement of the hand lever lowers the main tool support while movement of the hand lever to the rear causes upward movement of the main tool support. Due to the guiding action of the parallel links 31, 38 and 42. 43, the main tool support may be raised and lowered with a translatory movement by manipulation of the hand lever 9|. and the main tool support my be retained in a plurality of vertically adiusted positions by locking the hand lever in different positions on the quadrant 14. Balancing springs, not shown, may be used to assist the operator in raising the main tool support.

Reference is here made to a copending application Serial No. 282,336, filed July 1, 1939, C. E. Frudden, W. H. Tanke and A. G. Buhr, Tractor implement. now Patent No. 2,247,367, granted July 1, 1941, which more fully discloses the construction of the main tool support and its adjusting mechanism outlined hereinbefore, and which application also claims features of said main tool support and its adjusting mechanism. As shown in the mentioned Frudden et al. application` cultivating tools may be mounted on the long legs of the L-shaped tool bars for cultivating the ground at opposite sides of a plant row which is straddled by the tractor, and the mentioned application also shows the track eradicating shovels which. have been mentioned hereinbefore mounted on the short legs of the tool bars. In other words, the L-shaped bars 46 and 41 herein disclosed are the tool bars of a cultivator attachment, and as will be seen from the following description these tool bars are being Used in the present instance for carrying an auxiliary tool support of novel construction.

Referring to Figs. 2 and 3. a tubular cross bar rests on top 0f the tool bars 46 and 41 a .short distance behind the forward ends of the latter, the cross bar bridging the space between the tool bars and extending outwardly bevond the tool bars in opposite directions. A pair of U-bolts |02 straddles the cross bar |0| at opnosite sides of the tool bar 48, and a tie plate |03 is drawn up against the bottom surface of the tool bar 4B by nuts on the U-bolts |02. The cross bar |0| is secured to the tool bar 41 by a pair of U-bclts |04 and a tie plate |06 similar te the U- bolts |02 and plate |03 which secure the cross bar to the tool bar 4E. A bracket plate |01 having upper and lower bearing lugs is secured in an upright position to the cross bar |0| a relatively short distance from the inner side of the tool bar 48, and a similar bracket plate |08 is secured to the cross bar |0| in an upright position a relatively short distance from the inner side of the tool bar 41. Pivotally mounted in the upper bearing lugs of the bracket plates |01 and |08 is an upper link |09 which is formed in the shape of a bail as shown in Fig. 2. Another link is plvoted in the lower bearing lugs of the bracket plates |01 and |08, the link |I| being likewise formed in the shape of a bail and an exact duplicate of the link |09. The bight portions of the bails |09 and are pivotally mounted in a bracket structure at the forward end of a runner beam l|2 which extends longitudinally in the space between the tool bars 4B and 41. The bracket structure at the forward end of the runner beam comprises two bracket plates ||3 and ||4 which are secured to thel sides of the runner beam H2 and which have horizontally spaced upper bearing lugs receiving the bight portion of the bail |09 and horizontally spaced lower bearing lugs receiving the bight portion of the bail as may be seen from Fig. 3. The runner beam |I2 extends rearwardly between the tool bars 45 and 41 into tbe 'space between the rear traction wheels |9 and M, and secured to the rear end of the runner beam ||2 in the space between the rear traction wheels I3 and I4 is a planter shank I B. The planter shank is offset towards the right side of the runner beam. as shown in Fig. 2, and a runner ||1 for opening a seed furrow is secured to the lower end of the planter shank I6 and has a forward supporting connection with the runner beam ||2. A pair of ground engaging skids ||8 ard ||9 are mounted at opposite sides of the ru ner H1, the skids being in the form of plate m mbers having substantially horizontal rearward portions secured to angle clips |2| and |22, respectively, and upwardly cunved forward portions secured to a pair nf angle clips |23 at opposite sides of the runner |1. The angle clips supporting the skids are vertically adjustable control the depth sink into the ground.

Another runner |24 for opening a fertilizer furrow is mounted on the runner beam ||2 in advance of the runner H1. The runner |24 is secured at its rear end to a shank |26 which is drawn up against the left side of the runner beam H2 by means of a U-bolt |21 and a plate |28. The forward upwardly curved portion of the runner |24 has a vertically adjustable connection |3| with a depending arm |29 secured to the runner beam ||2. It will be seen that the runner |24 may be vertically adjusted relative to the runner beam ||2 by means of the U-bolt connection |21 and |28. and by means of the vertically adjustable connection |3| at the depending arm |29` shown only in Fig. 4. The runner |24 is offset towards the left side of the runner beam H2, as shown in Fig. 2, so as to open a fertilizer furrow a short distance to the left of the seed furrow which is being opened by the runner 1. Referring to Fig. l, a press wheel opened by the runner I i1 is mounted on a forked support |33 which embraces the planter shank H8 and has a forward pivotal connection |34 with the runner beam II2. The shank I6 has an arcuate slot |38 which accommodates a bolt |31' connecting the arms of the forked press Wheel support |33. but the press wheel support is not clamped against the runner shank and is freely movable up and down about its pivotal connection |84 with the runner beam H2. It will be seen that the press wheel is mounted on the runner beam il! for self-adjusting vertical movement and that the bolt |81 may slide up and down in the arcuate slot |88 when the press wheel moves up or down.

The balls |88 and cooperate with the bracket structure |81. |88 on the cross bar |8| and with the bracket structure lil, ||4 on the runner beam Il! to connect the runner beam I l2 with the cross bar |8| for vertical translatory movement and it will be noted that downward movement of the beam ||2 is limited by engagement of the skids ||8 and ||8 with the ground. The skids ||8 and III on the other hand functionto support the runner beam for tilting movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally of the tractor but the beam ||2 is prevented from tiltably moving in said plane by the bails |88 and ||I which, in effect, form a parallel link connection between the beam ||2 and the cross bar |8|.

Mounted on the outwardly projecting ends of the cross bar are two hilling disks |88 and I 88 which are positioned to work two transversely spaced strips of ground between the tread lines of the front and rear wheels of. the tractor. The runners ||1 and |24 work in the space between the strips of soil which are worked by the disks |88 and |38, and the disks may be set to throw the soil either inwardly towards the center between the tread lines of the tractor or outwardly towards the tread lines oi the tractor. In Figs. 2 and 3, the disks are shown in position to throw the soil inwardly towards the center between the tread lines of the tractor. Vertical standards |4| and |42 on which the disks |88 and |88 are mounted are secured to the cross bar by sultable elamping devices |48 and |44 which permit adjustment of the operating depths of the disks |88 and |88. It will 'be noted that the operating depths of the disks |88 and |88 may be adjusted collectively by operation of the hand lever 8|, but that such collective adiustment of the disks |88 and |88 does not cause upward or downward movement of the runner beam ||2. As explained hereinbefore the runner beam is sustained on the skids ||8 and ||8, and the parallel link mechanism |88 and which prevents forward or rearward tilting of the runner beam, accommodates any upward or downward movement oi the main tool support 48 and 41 without causing the runner beam ||2 to change its vertical position relative to the ground.

Secured to the arm 84 which extends radially from the rock shaft 88 is the end oi' a chain |52 which is looped through an eye |88 on the runner shank ||8, and the other end of the chain is detachably hooked into a bracket |54 which is secured to the rearwardly extending long arm of the bell crank lever 8?. A handle |58 at the end of the chain which is hooked into the bracket |54 may be reached from the operators seat in order to unhook the chain and pull it upwardly, and it will be noted that by such upward pull on the chain |52 the runner beam may be raised to an elevated position above the ground independently of any upward movement of the main tool support comprising the tool bars 48 and 41. When the chain is pulled upwardly the runner beam rises with a translatory movement due to the guiding action of the links |88 and |II. In normal operation the chain is somewhat slack as shown in Fig. so that the runner beam may rise and fall due to small hills and valleys over which the skids ||8 and ||8 ride during the advance of the machine. However. when the main tool support is raised a substantial distance so as to move the disks |88 and |88 and the track eradicating shovels behind the tractor wheels I8 and I4 out of the ground, the slack of the chain will be taken up, and upward movement will be imparted to the runner beam after the disks |88 and |88 and the track eradicating shovels have left the ground. During the operation of the machine trash may accumulate around the runners I|1 and |24 and in order to clear the runners of such trash the operator may grasp the handle |58 and pull the runners ||1 and |24 out of the ground until they have passed over the trash and then lower the chain' again and adjust it to the desired slack position. It will be seen that such adjustment of the runner beam may be eii'ected without the necessity of raising the main tool support comprising the tool bars 48 and 41, and that the operator is therefore relieved of the effort or raising the main tool support every time he wants to clear the runners of trash.

A seed hopper |48 and a fertilizer hopper |41 are mounted on the tractor in a stationary position so that the auxiliary tool support comprising the runner beam ||2 is not loaded down by any weight of the hoppers |48 and |41. A bracket |48 for supporting the seed hopper |48 and the fertilizer hopper |41 has a forward supporting connection with the left bar 22 and is retained thereon by a U-bolt |48. A supporting structure |5| for the rear end of the bracket |48 is secured to the cross bar I8 by a pair of bolts, as may be seen from Fig. 3.

A dispensing mechanism of any well known construction is used to discharge seed from the seed hopper |48 and includes a drive shaft |81, which carries a drive sprocket |58. Also mounted on the bracket |48 is a shaft |58 for driving a dispensing mechanism cooperating with the fertilizer hopper |41, the shaft |58 carrying a drive sprocket |8|. The sprockets |58 and |8| are driven by a chain |82 which is trained over a drive sprocket |88 secured to the outer side oi' the lei't traction wheel I8. A roller |84 for tightening the chain |82 is swingably mounted on the supporting structure for the seed hoppers |48 and |41 and a spring |85 is suitably arranged to pull the roller |84 into engagement with the chain |82.

A throwout mechanism is provided to stop both the fertilizer and the seed dispensing mechanisms when the main tool support is raised to lift the disks |88 and |88 and the track eradicating shovels out of the ground. The throwout mechanism is more clearly shown in Figs. 6 and '1 and is constructed as follows. Secured to the rearwardly extending lifting arm 84, is a bracket' |81 which bears against a collar on a push rod |88. The push rod |88 is pvoted at its upper end on a forlwardly extending arm |15 of a rock shaft |18 journaled on the support |5I, the rock shaft |18 having a rearwardly extending arm |11 at the outer side of the support |8|. A link |18 connects the arm |11 with an arm of a sleeve |88 surrounding the shaft |51 and having a plain end face bearing against the hub of the sprocket wheel |88 at the inner side of said sprocket wheel. The sprocket wheel |58 is rotatably mounted on the shaft |51 for axial sliding movement relative thereto and a coil spring |1| urges the sprocket wheel |58 against the sleeve |88. Formed at the end of the sleeve |88 remote from the sprocket wheel |59 is a cam tace which cooperates wit-h a cam casting |12 surrounding the shaft |51 and secured in xed position on the Support for said shaft. Upward movement of the push rod |49 causes axial displacement of the sprocket wheel |59 against the pressure oi the coil spring |1| due to the cooperation of the cam face on the sleeve |99 with the cam casting |12. This axial displacement of the sprocket wheel |59 is utilized to disengage a jaw clutch within the sleeve |99. 'I'he Jaw clutch arranged within the sleeve |99 comprises a driven clutch member |19 which is pinned to the shaft |51 and a driving clutch member |14 which is formed integrally with the sprocket wheel |59.

In Fig. 7, the sprocket wheel |59 is shown in driving engagement with the shaft |51 due to clutching engagement of the driven clutch member |13 with the driving clutch member |14, and it will be understood that such driving engagement is established by downward movement of the main tool support so as to bring the disk |39 and the track eradicating shovels into the ground. When the main tool support is raised sufficiently to lift the runners I1 and |24 out of the ground, as has been explained hereinbefore, the sleeve |69 is rotated by pull on the link |19 and as a result the sprocket wheel |58 is axially displaced to disengage the driving clutch member |14 from the driven clutch member |13.

The sprocket wheel |6| of the fertilizer dispensing mechanism is rotatably mounted on the shaft |59 for axial displacement in the same manner as has just been described in connection with the sprocket Wheel |59 and shaft |51. A jaw clutch and operating sleeve |19, corresponding to the jaw clutch |13, |14 and operating sleeve |99, are provided to establish and interrupt transmission of power from the sprocket wheel i6| to the shaft |59. The operating sleeve |19 is connected with the arm |11 by a link connection including a turnbuckle IBI. Actuation of the arm |11 to interrupt the transmission of power from the sprocket wheel |59 to the seeder shaft |51 also operates to interrupt the transmission of power from the sprocket wheel |6| to the fertilizer shaft |59, and the turnbuckie |9| is provided to adjust the length oi' the link connection between the arm |11 and the arm of the sleeve |19 so that the power will be disconnected simultaneously from both the seeder shaft |51 and the fertilizer shaft |59 when the rod |98 is pushed upwardly far enough for eilecting the nterruption of power.

A exible tube |92 is connected at its upper end to the discharge spout of the hopper |46 and at its lower end to the planter shank ||6 so that seed discharged from the hopper |46 by the seed dispensing mechanism will be delivered into the furrow opened by the runner I1. Another flexible tube |83 is connected at its upper end to the discharge spout of the fertilizer hopper |41 and at its lower end to the runner |24 for conveying fertilizer discharged from the hopper |41 into the furrow opened by the runner |24.

Referring to Figs. 2

The |09, and the runner beam together with the runners ||1 and |24 and the press wheel |32 may be removed, as a unit, from the main tool support comprising the toolbars 49 and 41. For this purpose it is necessary to remove the hilling disks |39 and |99 together with their standards |4| and |42 from the cross bar |0|, to remove the U-bolts |02 and |04 which connect the cross bar |0| to the tool bars 49 and 41; and to disconnect.

may be driven over the unit into an attaching position, whereupon the cross bar |0|, may be lifted upon the tool bars 45 and 41 and secured thereto by means of the U-bolts |02 and |04 and the plates |03 and |06. After the cross bar ||l| has been secured to the tool bars the billing disks |99, |99 may be mounted on the cross bar.

As shown in Fig. 4, a sweep |94 may be mounted on the cross bar |0| |01 and |99 in order to work the soil in advance of the runners |1 and |24 if desired. The sweep beam ||2 and the parts directly mounted thereon, such as the planter shank ||6 and the forward runner supports |29 |24 are pressed into the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon the auxiliary tool support and when the runners approach a hill or valley the skids ||9 and ||9 will gauge the depth ofthe ing.

pressed downwardly upon the ground solely by between the bracket plates the ground solely by the In other words, the runners ||1 and forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support. a hopper mounted on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper into said furrow.

2. An agricultural implement comprising, a self -sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, toolsmounted on said main tool support for movement into and out of the ground by said vertical movement of said main tool support, an auxiliary tool support, means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for vertical movement relative thereto, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a furrow in soil prepared by said tools and for gauging the depth of said furrow, said ground engaging means being pressed downwardly upon the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support while said main tool support occupies a position of vertical adjustment relative to said traveling support causing said tools on said main tool support to penetrate the ground to a predetermined adjustable depth, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper into said furrow.

3. An agricultural implement comprising, a self -sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical movement of said main too1 support relative to said traveling support, tools mounted on said main tool support for movement into and out of the ground by said vertical movement of said main tool support, an auxiliary tool support, means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for vertical movement relative thereto, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a furrow in soil prepared by said tools and for gauging the depth of said furrow, said ground engaging means being pressed downwardly upon the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support while said main tool support occupies a position o: vertical adjustment relative to said traveling support causing said tools on said main tool support to penetrate the ground to a predetermined adjustable depth, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, means for delivering material from said hopper into said furrow including a dispensing mechanism and clutch means for transmitting power to said dispensing mechanism, and actuating means for said clutch means operatively connected with said adjusting means, whereby the transmission of power to said dispensing mechanism may be automatically stopped by upward adjustment of said main tool support.

4. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, tools mounted on said main tool support for movement into and out or the ground by said vertical movement of said main tool support, an auxiliary tool support, means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tooi support for vertical movement relative thereto, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a furrow in soil prepared by said tools and for gauging the depth of said furrow, said ground engaging means being pressed downwardly upon the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support while said main tool support occupies a position of vertical adjustment relative to said traveling support causing said tools on said main tool support to penetrate the ground to a predetermined adjustabie depth, a. hc-pper mounted on said traveling support, means ior delivering material from said hopper into said furrow, and lost motion connecting means between said auxiliary tool support and said adjusting means, whereby said auxiliary tool support may be raised to an elevated position above the ground by upward adjustment of said main tool support.

5. An agricultural implement comprising, a self -sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, tools mounted on said main tool support for movement into and out of the ground by said vertical movement of said main tool support, an auxiliary tool support, means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for vertical movement relative thereto, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a furrow in soil prepared by said tools and for gauging the depth of said furrow, said ground engaging means being pressed downwardly upon the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support while said main tool support occupies a position of vertical adjustment relative to said traveling support causing said tools on said main tool support to penetrate the ground to a predetermined adjustable depth, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, means for delivering material from said hopper into said furrow including a dispensing mechanism and clutch means means for said clutch means operatively corinected with said adjusting means, whereby.the transmission of power to said dispensing mechanism may be automatically stopped by upward adjustment of said main tool support, and lost motion connecting means between said auxiliary tool support and said adjusting means whereby said auxiliary tool support may be raised to an elevated position above the ground by upward adjustment of said main tool support.

6. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, tools mounted on said main tool support for movement into and out of the ground by said vertical movement of said main tool support, an auxiliary tool support, means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for vertical movement relative thereto, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a seed furrow and a fertilizer furrow in soil prepared by said tools and for gauging the depth of said furrows, said ground engaging means being pressed downwardly upon the for transmitting; power to said dispensing mechanism, actuiaitngground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support while said main tool support occupies a position of vertical adjustment relative to said traveling support causing said tools on said main tool support to penetrate the ground to a predetermined depth, a seed hopper and a fertilizer hopper mounted on said travellng support, means for delivering seed from said seed hopper into said seed furrow, and means for delivering fertilizer from said fertilizer hopper into said fertilizer furrow.

7. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling sup-port, an auxiliary tool support having ground engaging means adapted to sustain said auxiliary tool support for tilting movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally of said traveling support, and stabilizing means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for selfadjusting vertical translatory movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support.

8. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool supy port, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support having ground engaging means adapted to sustain said auxiliary tool support for tilting movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally oi said traveling support, stabilizing means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for selfadjusting vertical translatory movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, and lost :motion connecting means between said auxiliary tool support and said adjusting means, whereby said auxiliary tool support may be raised to an elevated position above the ground by upward adjustment of said main tool support.

9. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling sulpport for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, ground engaging means mounted on said auxiliary tool support for forming a furrow and for gauging the depth of said furrow, said depth gauging means being adapted to sustain said auxiliary tool support for tilting movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally of said traveling support, stabilizing means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for self-adjusting vertical translatory movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper into said furrow.

10. An agricultural implement comprising, a self-sustained traveling support, a main tool support, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, a furrow opener mounted on said auxiliary tool support, a ground engaging skid secured to said furrow opener for gauging the depth of soll penetration o1' the latter and adapted to sustain said auxiliary tool support for tilting movement in a vertical plane extending longitudinally of said traveling support, a press wheel for closing the furrow opened by said furrow opener swingably mounted on said auxiliary tool support for self-adjusting vertical movement relative thereto. stabilizing means cooperating with said main and auxiliary tool supports to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for self-adjusting vertical translatory movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper into the furrow opened by said furrow opener.

ll. An attachment for connection to a pair of transversely spaced tool bars of a cultivator, cornprising a support having transversely spaced portions connectable, respectively, to said tool bars, a beam adapted to extend longitudinally of said tooi bars in the space therebetween and having a bracket secured thereto rearwardly of said support, a pair of links mounted on said bracket for pivotal movements, respectively, about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said links being of equal lengths and being mounted on said support for pivotal movements relative thereto on horizontal axes, respectively, spaced vertically from each other substantially the same distance as said pivot axes of said links on said bracket, and a tool mounted on said beam for forming a furrow in the space between said tool bars.

12. An attachment for connection to a pair of transversely spaced. tool bars of a cuitivator, comprising a support having transversely spaced portions connectable, respectively, to said tool bars, a beam adapted to extend longitudinally of said tool bars in the space therebetween and having a bracket secured thereto rearwardly of said support, a pair of links mounted on said bracket for pivotal movements, respectively, about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said links being of equal lengths and being mounted on said support for pivotal movements relative thereto on horizontal axes, respectively, spaced vertically from each other substantially the same distance as said pivot axes of said links on said bracket, a pair of tools mounted on said support in transversely spaced relation to each other for working two relatively spaced strips of soil to a predetermined depth, and a tool mounted on said beam for forming a furrow in Vsoil thrown by said tools in the space between said tool bars and between said relatively spaced strips of soil.

13. An attachment for connection to a pair of transversely spaced tool bars of a cultivator, com- @rising a support having transversely spaced portions connectable, respectively, to said tool bars, a beam adapted to extend longitudinally of said tool bars in the space therebetween and having a bracket secured thereto rearwardly of said support, a pair of links mounted on said bracket for pivotal movements, respectively, about vertically spaced horizontal axes, said links being of equal lengths and being mounted on said support for pivotal movements relative thereto on horizontal axes, respectively, spaced vertically from each other substantially the same distance as said ipivot axes of said links on said bracket, a pair of tools mounted on said support in transversely spaced relation to each other for working two relatively spaced strips of soil to a predetermined depth, another tool mounted on said support for working a third strip of soil to a predetermined depth in the space between said tool bars and between said relatively spaced strips of soil, and a tool mounted on said beam for forming a furrow in soil of said third strip of soil prepared by the second soll tool.

14. In combination with a tractor, a pair of tool bars spaced from each other transversely of said tractor, adjusting means connecting said tool bars with said tractor for vertical translatory movement relative thereto, a cross bar secured to said tool bars, a bracket structure secured to a portion of said cross bar intermediate said tool bars, a beam extending transversely of said cross bar, another bracket structure secured to said beam, parallel link mechanism pivoted on said bracket structures to connect said beam with said cross bar for vertical translatory movement relative thereto, and ground engaging means mounted on said beam for forming a furrow and for gauging the depth of said furrow.

15. In combination with a. tractor having a pair of axially spaced rear wheels, a main tool support including a pair of tool bars spaced from each other transversely of said tractor in advance of a vertical plane through the axis of said rear wheels, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said tractor for vertical translatory movement relative thereto, a draft member secured to said tool bars, an auxiliary tool support including a runner beam extending rearwardly into the space between said rear wheels, parallel link mechanism pivoted on said draft member between said tool bars and on said auxiliary tool support to connect said auxiliary tool support with said draft member for vertical translatory movement relative thereto, and ground engaging means mounted on said runner beam including a seed runner extending into the space between said rear wheels, a fertilizer runner in advance of said seed runner, and a gauge element for gauging the depth of soil penetration of said runners.

16. In combination with a tractor having a pair of axially spaced rear wheels and a pair of axially spaced front wheels, a main tool support including a pair of tool bars at opposite sides, respectively, of a central vertical plane extending longitudinally of said tractor, one of said tool bars having a longitudinal portion, at one side of said plane, spaced therefrom a shorter distance than the tractor front and rear wheels at said side of said plane, and the other of said tool bars having a longitudinal portion, at plane, spaced therefrom a shorter distance than the tractor front and rear wheels at said other side of said plane, adjusting means connecting said main tool support with said tractor for vertical translatory movement relative thereto, a. cross member of shorter length than the axial spacing of said front wheels extending transversely of said tool bars in the space between the axes of said front and rear wheels, detachable fastening means securing said cross member to said longitudinal portions of said tool bars, an auxiliary tool support disposed between said tool bars, and `paralle1 link mechanism pivoted on said cross member and on said auxiliary tool support to connect said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for vertical translatory movement relative thereto.

ll. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support,

the other side of said aseasoi means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement only of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxiliary tool support with said main tool support for free vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool supportl a ground working tool supported on said auxiliary tool support and having a constant tilt at all adjustments of said main tool support, said ground working tool being pressed downward onto the ground solely by forces of gravity acting upon said auxiliary tool support, means for supporting said auxiliary tool support and said ground working tool on ground to cause said ground working tool to penetrate the soil to a constant depth, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper onto the ground subject to the action of said ground working tool.

18. In an agricultural implement, a selfi sustained traveling support, a main tool support, means comprising a pair of parallel pivoted links and a lifting mechanism connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means pivotally connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for free vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a ground working tool supported o-n said auxiliary tool support, said ground working tool being pressed downward onto the ground solely by forces of gravity acting on said auxiliary tool support, a hopper mounted on said traveling support, means for supporting said auxiliary tool support' and said ground working tool on ground to cause said ground working tool to penetrate the soil to a constant depth, and means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground subject to the action of said ground working tool.

19. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support, means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, a first ground working means supported on said main tool support for preparing the ground for the action of a second ground working means, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for free vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, second ground working means supported on said auxiliary tool support, said second ground working means working the ground prepared by the said nrst ground working means and being pressed downward onto the ground solely by the forces of gravity acting on said auxiliary tool support, means for supporting said auxiliary tool support and said ground working tool on ground to cause said ground working tool to penetrate the soll to a constant depth, a hopper supported on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground in rear of said second ground working means.

20. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustalned traveling support, a main tool support,

means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, ground working means severally supported on said tool supports, means operable responsive to upward vertical movement of said main tool support only above a predetermined height for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support, lifting means connected to said auxiliary tool support for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support independently of movement of said main tool support, a hopper supported on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground subject to the action of said ground working means.

2l. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support, means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxilary tool support to said main tool support for vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a ground working means supported on said auxiliary tool support, means operable responsive to upward vertical movement of said main tool support only above a predetermined height for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support, lifting means connected to said auxiliary tool support for causing vertical upward movement of said auxiliary tool support independently oi' said upward vertical movement of said main tool support, a hopper supported on said traveling support, means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground subject to the action of said ground working means, and means operable responsive to vertical upward movement of said main tool support to prevent said delivery of material from said hopper.

22. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support, means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool sulpport, means connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for free vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a ground working tool supported on said auxiliary support. said ground working tool being pressed downward onto the ground solely by forces of gravity acting urpon said auxiliary tool support, means for supporting said auxiliary tool support and said ground working tool on ground to cause said ground working tool to penetrate the soil te a constant depth and means for delivering material onto the ground subject to the action of said ground working tool.

JOHN D. MoKAHIN.

CERTIFICATE 0F' GORRECTI 0N.

Patent No. 2,565,201.

December 19, 191th.

JOHN D. McKAHIN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 8, first column, line 8, claim l5, for the word "soil" read. -said; column, line 55, claim 21, before "ground" strike out a;

page 9, first and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may' conformA to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 20th day of' March, A. D. 1914.5.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer Acting Commissioner of Patents.

means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, ground working means severally supported on said tool supports, means operable responsive to upward vertical movement of said main tool support only above a predetermined height for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support, lifting means connected to said auxiliary tool support for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support independently of movement of said main tool support, a hopper supported on said traveling support, and means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground subject to the action of said ground working means.

2l. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support, means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool support, means connecting said auxilary tool support to said main tool support for vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a ground working means supported on said auxiliary tool support, means operable responsive to upward vertical movement of said main tool support only above a predetermined height for causing upward vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support, lifting means connected to said auxiliary tool support for causing vertical upward movement of said auxiliary tool support independently oi' said upward vertical movement of said main tool support, a hopper supported on said traveling support, means for delivering material from said hopper onto ground subject to the action of said ground working means, and means operable responsive to vertical upward movement of said main tool support to prevent said delivery of material from said hopper.

22. In an agricultural implement, a selfsustained traveling support, a main tool support, means connecting said main tool support to said traveling support for vertical translatory movement of said main tool support and for attachment of said main tool support at an adjustable height relative to said traveling support, an auxiliary tool sulpport, means connecting said auxiliary tool support to said main tool support for free vertical movement of said auxiliary tool support relative to said main tool support, a ground working tool supported on said auxiliary support. said ground working tool being pressed downward onto the ground solely by forces of gravity acting urpon said auxiliary tool support, means for supporting said auxiliary tool support and said ground working tool on ground to cause said ground working tool to penetrate the soil te a constant depth and means for delivering material onto the ground subject to the action of said ground working tool.

JOHN D. MoKAHIN.

CERTIFICATE 0F' GORRECTI 0N.

Patent No. 2,565,201.

December 19, 191th.

JOHN D. McKAHIN.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 8, first column, line 8, claim l5, for the word "soil" read. -said; column, line 55, claim 21, before "ground" strike out a;

page 9, first and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may' conformA to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 20th day of' March, A. D. 1914.5.

(Seal) Leslie Frazer Acting Commissioner of Patents. 

